On Campus

Mason Alert

While there is no way to guarantee your safety, there are some things you can do to make yourself less vulnerable. All of this information is to help you reduce your risk and be safer.

Be registered for Mason Alert. Mason Alert is a free alert system that allows George Mason University to contact you during an emergency by sending messages to your: Cell phone, email, pager.

During an emergency, additional information, messages, updates, and resources may be provided on Mason Safety Bulletins website: http://respond.gmu.edu/

Walking on campus or in parking lots

Keep dorms, rooms, windows and cars locked at all times.

Have care keys/swipe card ready before you go outside. Have other keys (to house, etc.) ready before you exit the car.

Remain alert and be aware of your surroundings. Headphones can prevent you from hearing people who might be approaching. Texting, talking on the phone, and other uses of personal electronic devices can also prevent you from being fully aware of your surroundings, and incase our risk of being seen as a potential target.

Avoid walking alone if you are distracted, upset, or under the influence of any substance that may impair your perceptions or response time.

Listen for footsteps. Turn around if you think you are being followed and check. If you think you are, cross the street and go quickly to the nearest area where there are other people.

Carry a whistle and/or pepper spray. Mace is illegal in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Use only your first initials on your mailbox/door and, when possible, in phone directories.

Report suspicious activity to campus police.

Know who to contact in an emergency (i.e. Resident Advisor, Resident Director). Have important/emergency contacts handy. You may contact the Office of Housing and Residence Life Central Office @ 703-993-2720 or www.housing.gmu.edu

Get to know the Office of Housing and Residence life staff members.

Maintain a clean living environment.

Know evacuation routes and designated assembly areas.

Know the list of items that are prohibited and allow in residence halls. See the Guide to Pride for details.

Doors and windows to your residence hall should be equipped with quality locking mechanisms. Room doors should be equipped with peep holes and deadbolts. Always lock them when you are absent. Do not loan out your key. Rekey locks when a key is lost or stolen.